A DOSSIER containing the views of people in the Epping Forest district concerned at the possibility of cutbacks at Whipps Cross University Hospital has been handed over by Loughton Residents Association.

The document outlines the problems people in the south of the district will face if services are cut at the Leytonstone hospital.

The association is particularly concerned about the pressure any closures at Whipps might put on Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow.

They write: "The M11 corridor has been identified as a focus of major growth. Harlow will see additional housing of 11,000 units within its boundaries and in surrounding Epping Forest villages.

"As a result of this population growth the pressure on NHS services, and particularly on Princess Alexandra Hospital, will be a major challenge for West Essex Primary Care Trust."

The association is also concerned that levels of deprivation and car ownership in the south of the district have not been taken into account by Fit for the Future - the body looking into potential changes.

Transport links are also a concern with the association adding: "Bus transport to Whipps Cross Hospital is reliable and convenient; links to the other hospitals in the review area (and particularly to Harlow) are poor. We're frequently told Princess Alexandra Hospital is too far' when life is at risk."

Loughton Residents Association's comments will form part of the pre-consultation phase carried out by Fit for the Future to create a number of options about the future of Whipps which will then be put forward for public consultation.

Fit for the Future is looking at five options which will affect Whipps Cross Hospital in different ways.